Jul 16, 2025

From the Village of Rockford:

Council called to order by Mayor Searight on July 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

 

Let us pray – Dear God – Thank you for what you have provided for us. We don’t praise you enough for the things that you do for us each and every day. Thank you for this meeting and guide us through it as well. Give us the knowledge and wisdom to make the decisios. We also pray for milder temperatures and some rain as well. We pray this in your holy name. Amen.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Those present: Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young and Chris Heitkamp, Marcas Heitkamp – absent.

 

Also attending: Bret Jones, Austin Gause, Jeremy Young, Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Officer Miller, Erin -from the Daily Standard,

 

Motion Mary. Second Luke. Shane to accept the agenda as orders of the day.

called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Chris = y, Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Luke to accept the minutes from the June 17, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Shane. Mary called for the question. Luke = y, Shane = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y, Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

 

Noted – receipt of Mayors Court pay in / bank statement.

 

With summer in full swing and everyone getting out and about it’s nice to enjoy what we have within our community. We’ve completed Franklin St. project and other than the grass, it looks great. We were able to utilize what money that was left to resurface parts of four other streets, which have added not only life to those streets, but well needed repair. New signs have been installed, and certain parking restrictions have been placed on certain streets for safety concerns.

 

Safety concerns are a top priority, and we take them seriously. One of the top reasons for no parking on the street is the lack of space for emergency vehicles to pass through. I was notified of one of those streets where even a car couldn’t pass between two cars park on separate sides. Now just think if there was an

emergency and the Ambulance or Fire Truck and it couldn’t get through. That’s not a good situation, so we’re moving forward with these “No Parking” signs.

 

We also see dangerous activity down at the park. As we’ve gone through at least three Life Saving Rings that some people like to break. These are not cheap and even more important, if they are broke, they can’t do what they are intended to do. Even when they’re not breaking them, they’re tying the rope up so it’s once again unusable. We all know it’s not most of the people that use the pond that do it, but the majority shouldn’t have to pay for the consequences either. So, I’m going to ask the public if you see something that is destructive to the village or anyone else’s property, report it to 911 or 419-586-7724. Don’t get directly involved, as I don’t want anyone to get hurt either.

 

But let’s stop this and keep our town safe and clean. And to those few, if caught we have zero tolerance, and you will be charged to the full extent of the law. So, if you let your children go down there unsupervised let them know what is and isn’t acceptable if they’re down at the park alone, you as a parent are responsible for their actions and will be charged for their actions.

 

I think we’re all blessed for the many places we can once again eat and drink at here in town. We’re coming out of a time when we didn’t have those options, so we need to support them as much as possible. These businesses not only employ people, but they support our community in many ways. These businesses are unique in what they have to offer and have a nice variety of products. We’re also blessed with the Makers Market where homemade products are the specialty. When you think about it, I don’t know of another town near us of our size can boast about what we have. But we have it all here in Rockford, Ohio.

 

Let’s all enjoy what we have and respect each other and the safety of our friends and neighbors. Let’s eat, live, play, and enjoy Rockford as much as possible. It’s been a hot summer so far and we need to stay as cool as possible. Please make sure you stay hydrated as much as possible and be safe in this heat.

 

Give more than you take and you’ll receive more than you gave.

God Bless you, Thank you.

Mayor Ron Searight

 

Upcoming Community information & events:

 

Sunday – July 20th - Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – noon to 3 pm

 

Sunday – July 20th - 1 pm ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed Parkway Athletic Building Complex

 

Sunday – August 3rd – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – noon to 3 pm

Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple

 

Franklin Street - some of the street lights have been relocated. We are working on the tree lawns – some may need to be reseeded. Franklin street residents if you could help us out by watering the tree lawns --- we will adjust your water bill.

Would be appreciated. We need to get the grass growing instead of weeds.

 

Franklin Street --- stop signs have been relocated as well --- use caution !

 

No parking signs have been installed on Franklin Street and Second Street --- the reason is safety concerns --- We need to make sure emergency vehicles can get through. We may be looking at other streets as well.

 

We may need to remove some trees at intersections – again safety concerns because they are impeding the line of vision. If a homeowner wants to move the tree into their own yard – depending on size – could be transplanted. We will tag trees that are set for removal.

 

As Mayor Searight stated --- the pond is a privilege and has been a popular spot with these very warm days. BUT - we continue to have problems - breaking the life saving preserver, filling the overflow with rocks, throwing rocks in the grass that causes problems with the mower and mowing. Please take care of our property or your privileges will be removed. Sad that we have to look at ways to add cameras to the area.

 

The new pavilion is coming along and set to be finished in August. Working on the water and sewer infrastructure. This will be a nice asset to the village.

 

We should see movement on removal of the Pearl Street home and we are nearing plans for the First Street property.

 

 

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee: Shane Young -

 

Motion Shane to pay the bills as presented –

07/07/2025 --- $41,650.63

07/15/2025 -- $26,979.46

Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Shane to accept Mayors Court pay in $779. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Motion Shane to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mark. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,

Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement, comparison report for the water, sewer, and income tax.

 

Motion Shane to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Mark.

Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Mark = y, Chris = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Motion Shane to approve 3rd quarter blanket certificates and any additional purchase orders. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Shane = y, Mark =y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

ORDINANCE 01-25

AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY A $5.00 MUNICIPAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAX AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 4504.173 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE. – Effective 01/01/2027

 

 

THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY OHIO:

 

SECTION 1 : There is herby levied an annual license tax upon the operation of motor vehicles on the public roads or highways of the Village of Rockford, Ohio, pursuant to 4504.173 of the Ohio Revised Code for the purposes of planning, constructed, improving, maintaining, and repairing public road, highways, and streets, and to provide additional revenue for the purposes authorized by Section 4504.173 (A)(2) of the Ohio Revised Code; and to supplement revenue already available for such purposes.

 

SECTION 2: Such tax shall be at the rate of Five Dollars ($5.00) per motor vehicle on each and every motor vehicle in the district of regulation of which, as defined as a municipality, is the Village of Rockford.

 

SECTION 3: As used in this ordinance, the term ‘motor vehicle’ means any and all vehicles included within the definition of a motor vehicle in the Ohio Revised Code.

 

SECTION 4: The tax imposed by this ordinance shall apply and be in effect for the registration year commencing January 1, 2027, and shall continue in effect and application during each registration year thereafter.

 

SECTION 5: The tax imposed by the ordinance shall be paid to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of the State of Ohio or to a Deputy Registrar at the time of application of a motor vehicle is made as provided in the Ohio Revised Code.

 

SECTION 6: All moneys derived from the tax hereinbefore levied shall be used by the Village of Rockford for the purposes of paying for costs and expenses of public roadways.

 

SECTION 7: The Clerk of Council is directed to send a certified copy of the Ordinance to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Tax Distribution Section in Columbus, Ohio upon passage.

 

SECTION 8: This ordinance shall become effective from the earliest date allowed by law.

 

1st reading - 06/17/2025

2nd reading – 07/15/2025

 

 

 

ORDINANCE 03-25

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR UNPAID PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FEES AND DELINQUENT UTILITY BILLS, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

WHEREAS, the Village issues notices to its residents for property maintenance issues. If the property owner does not come into compliance the Village will proceed to clean up a property and assess a charge for providing such services to the property tax bill.

 

WHEREAS, the Village issues monthly utility bills to its residents for water and sewer services. If the property owner does not pay past due balances, the Village will proceed to assess the unpaid charges for services to the property tax bill.

 

WHEREAS, the right to impose charges for property maintenance and utility services to all premises within the Village carries with it the right and responsibility to enforce collection of such charges, including the collection of said services.

 

BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE

VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, THAT:

 

SECTION 1: Assessments for property maintenance services and delinquent water bills are hereby levied and assessed for the accounts, in the amounts, and upon the properties set forth in “Schedule A” attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

SECTION 2: The assessments shall be certified by the Clerk of this

Council to the County Auditor to be placed upon the tax duplicate and collected as other taxes and assessments are collected. The Clerk of this Council is hereby

directed to deliver a certified copy of this Ordinance to the Mercer County Auditor.

 

SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

 

 

1st reading – 06/17/2025

2nd reading – 07/15/2025

 

 

Motion Shane to approve the Deposit Agreement with Peoples Bank Co through 08/22/2027. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

Budget Hearing was held previous to Council meeting at 7:15 pm

 

Motion Shane to approve the tentative budget for Year 2026 to the County Auditor. Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Second Luke. Chris called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y. Passed 5 yes.

 

 

Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp

 

 

ORDINANCE 02-25

AN ORDINANCE CONTROLLING UNCONTROLLED PARKING OF VEHICLES, ESTABLISHING PENALITIES, REPEALING INCONSISTENT LEGISLATION, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

WHEREAS, uncontrolled parking of vehicles within the Village contributes to safety concerns as well as the declining appearance of neighborhoods and is therefore considered a public nuisance.

 

WHEREAS, the Council for the Village adopted Ordinance No. 11-22 on December 6, 2022 after three (3) separate readings, to establish rules and restrictions regarding the acceptable parking of vehicles.

WHEREAS, the Council for the Village deems it necessary to amend said Ordinance No. 11-22 to clarify certain provisions.

 

BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO, THAT:

 

SECTION 1: The Council for the Village of Rockford, Ohio defines the following terms as they pertain to this Ordinance:

(l) Front Yard. The term "front yard" refers to a yard extending across the full width of the lot, lying between the front property line or the right-of-way, and the furthermost projection of the principal building or group of buildings.

(2) Side Yard. The term "side yard" refers to a yard lying between the furthermost projection of a building and a side lot line and extending from the required front yard to the required rear yard.

(3) Rear Yard. The term "rear yard" refers to a yard extending across the full width of a lot and lying between the rear lot line and the fillthermost projection of a building.

(4) Driveway. The term "driveway" refers to a passage way for vehicles composed of concrete, asphalt, or gravel that serves to connect a public street or alley to a garage or legal parking space.

(5) Improved Area. The term "improved area" refers to a section of the lot that has been altered and defined by concrete, asphalt or gravel, with a positive boundary, for the means of providing a parking space for a vehicle. The improved area must be entered via a driveway or curb cut, except where adjacent to a paved street where there is no curb.

(6) Vehicle. Any car, truck, trailer, motor home, camper, recreational vehicle, boat, trailer of any type, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or motorcycle.

 

SECTION 2: Parking of any vehicle shall be prohibited in the following areas:

(1) It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle in a front yard, in a side yard on the street side of a corner lot, or in a rear yard that abuts a street or an alley.

(2) It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle over any part of the sidewalk or curb that is parallel to the public way, including that part of the sidewalk that is part of a driveway.

 

SECTION 3: For the purposes of this Ordinance, parking is permitted in the following areas:

(a) An improved space in the prohibited parking area used as a parking space before this section is adopted, provided that the entrance to the approved area is via a driveway or curb cut, except where adjacent to a paved street where there is no curb.

(b) Parking in any portion of the driveway that may be located in the front yard, rear yard, or side yard, except the portion that is part of the sidewalk.

(c) Parking off the edge of the street where no curb is present, within the existing right of-way, and in an improved area.

(d) Any improved area meeting setback requirements and other applicable zoning provisions. The Council and Zoning Department must determine compliance with all such improved areas.

Parking in front yard, side yard, or rear yard for the purpose of unloading a vehicle, washing a vehicle or some other similar purpose. The vehicle, however, must be removed from the front yard, side yard, or rear yard once the task is completed or within 12 hours.

 

SECTION 4: Any officer of the Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. Anyone violating this Ordinance shall be subject to the following penalties:

(1) The Police Department shall issue a notification for a violation of this Ordnance to the occupant of the property by hand-delivering or posting the notice in a conspicuous location on the residence. The notification shall state that the improperly parked vehicle(s) must be moved from the prohibited location identified in this Ordinance or removed from the property within 3 days. If the improperly parked vehicle(s) are not moved within 3 days, then the violator shall be subject to a fine of $ 100 per day for each day that a violation occurs starting on the 4th day after the violation notice has been issued by the Police Department.

(2) Any vehicle(s) remaining in violation for more than 30 days shall be rendered junk/abandoned and shall fall under Section 150.308 Abandoned and junked vehicles of the Village's Zoning Regulations.

(3) For the purposes of this Ordinance, the violator shall be the occupant(s) of the property upon which an unlawfully parked vehicle is located, regardless to whom the vehicle is registered.

 

SECTION 5: PENALTY.

(A) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter for which no penalty otherwise is provided in the section is guilty of 1 of the following:

(1) A minor misdemeanor;

(2) If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 1 violation of this chapter, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;

(3) If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 2 or more violations of this chapter, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

 

SECTION 5: All legislation in conflict herewith shall be, and the same hereby is, repealed.

 

SECTION 6: This Ordinance is deemed to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its passage for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of the Village of Rockford, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

1st reading - 06/17/2025

2nd reading – 07/15/2025

 

Service Committee: Mary Beougher

 

Veterans Memorial Banners ---- we will be doing ONE MORE ORDER FOR banners. PLEASE --- if you are wanting a banner for your Veteran contact the Village Office. This is will be the last time we offer this – deadline for information and payment is August 29th.

Cost is $150 per side.

 

Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp

 

Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President

 

Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson

 

Visitor to address Council:

 

Bret Jones - Concerns with new no parking signage and with parking ordinance. Would like to suggest having a town hall meeting so that citizens can ask questions. Concerns with passing ordinances in general that the citizens are unaware of or don’t understand what the ordinance is about.

 

Some feedback - We do post the information on Facebook, residents are always welcome to come to meetings, the minutes are public record and anyone can request a copy. All council members as well as the Mayor are open to talking and hearing about concerns in the Village. If residents have concerns with an ordinance or don’t understand it --- talk to us.

 

Requesting the minutes include the full ordinance or resolution language – the minutes are posted on the Village website.

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

Are you interested in serving the Rockford Community? If so, there will be 4 council seats on the ballot this November. All candidates need to file petitions by 4 pm on August 6th.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm